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Understanding 9/11Richard Diamond, Private Detective - Single Episodes
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RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE
In 1945, Dick Powell portrayed Phillip Marlowe in the movie "Murder My Sweet" based on Raymond Chandler's novel "Farewell My Lovely". This was a radical departure in character for Mr. Powell from a Hollywood song and dance man to a hard-boiled detective. On June 11,1945, Lux Radio Theatre brought "Murder My Sweet" to radio, again with Dick Powell in the lead. These two performances prompted his selection for the part of Richard Rogue, in Rogue's Gallery after his role for Lux Radio Theatre and Richard Diamond came four years later.
Richard Diamond, Private Detective came to NBC in 1949. Diamond was a slick, sophisticated detective, with a sharp tongue for folks who needed it. Diamond enjoyed the detective life, but not as much as entertaining his girl, Helen Asher. After each show, he would croon a number to his Park Avenue sweetheart. Mr. Powell, a former song and dance man, was perfect for the role. He added an extra dimension to the 40's hokey private eye drama.
Diamond was a rough gumshoe that would often get knocked on the head with a revolver butt or other items. His counterpart on the police force was Lt. Levinson who often accepted Diamond's help reluctantly. Levinson would claim to get stomach trouble whenever Diamond would call him and would take bicarbonate to settle his aching stomach. Although they always seem at odds with each other, Diamond and Levinson were best friends.
The plot theme remained fairly constant throughout the entire run of the show, Diamond getting beat up and solving a tough murder case with the support of the police department. Remarkably, for all the gun fights, Diamond never got shot. And for all his bravado, he had a serious case of vertigo.
Helen Asher was portrayed by Virginia Gregg, who also played the part of Brooksie on Let George Do It and Betty Lewis on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Blake Edwards wrote the early shows and also directed a few. Music was composed by David Baskerville and later by Frank Wirth.
In January of 1951, the series moved to ABC under the full sponsorship of Camel cigarettes. Then in May of 1953, the series moved to CBS but all shows were repeats from the 1950-51 Rexall sponsored season on NBC.
Richard Diamond was one of the radio shows which successfully moved to television with David Janssen, later of The Fugitive fame, in the title role of Richard Diamond. The opening scene of the television show often featured the long lovely legs of Mary Tyler Moore, who went on to fame in The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Mary was replaced on the Richard Diamond show when it became known that she owned the mystery legs.NEW: Updated with Version 3 Files (01-Jan-2020).
NEW: Updated with Version 2 Files (30-May-2007).
From the Old Time Radio Researchers Group. See "Notes" Section below for more information on the OTRR.
Notes
OLD TIME RADIO RESEARCHERS GROUP
This is a production of the Old Time Radio Researchers (OTRR) Group located at Old Time Radio Researchers Website (www.otrr.org), Old Time Radio Researchers Facebook Group, and Old Time Radio Researchers Group.
It contains the most complete and accurate version of this series in the best sound possible at the time of creation. An updated version will be issued if more episodes or better sounding ones become available.
This is the Single Episodes Page. The Certified Set includes extras not found here. It is located at OTRR Certified Set. This Single Episodes page is provided in case you want to sample the shows. Note that in many cases, file names have been modified from the original OTRR names to conform to archive.org naming requirements.
If you are interested in preserving Old Time Radio (OTR), you may wish to join the Old Time Radio Researchers Group at Facebook and Groups.io.
Relax, listen, and enjoy!
OTRR Definitions:
OTRR Maintained Set -- This set contains all known episodes in the best available audio condition with the most accurate dates and titles known to be in general circulation and based on current research at the time of release. Replaces OTRR Certified Accurate and OTRR Certified Complete.
OTRR Non-Maintained Set -- A collection of shows that has not gone through the OTRR Maintenance process.
Pre-2019 OTRR Definitions:
OTRR Certified Accurate -- A series that was "Certified Accurate" indicated that all the episodes were properly identified and labeled based on current information but that the series did not contain all known extant episodes.
OTRR Certified Complete -- A series that was "Certified Complete" achieved the highest level of certification available under the OTRR Certified Standards. This certification level implied that all the files in the series were "Certified Accurate" and also indicated that the series was as complete as possible and included all circulating episodes.
OTRR Non-Certified -- A collection of shows that has not gone through the OTRR Certification process.
Also, beginning in 2019, the version numbers of our OTRR releases changed format -- instead of v1.0 or v2.1, we are now using a version number that reflects the year and month the set was released. The format used is a two-digit year followed by a two-digit month. For example, "v1906" indicates a set that was released in June 2019, or "v1910" indicates a set released in October 2019.
NOTE: There are no passwords for any of our ZIP files. If you are prompted for a password, before downloading the file again, try unzipping the file into a shorter full folder path name -- for example, unzip to "C:\" instead of "C:\Documents and Settings\your_Windows_ID\some_other_folder\". Sorry, some of our releases contain long folder and file names, which sometimes manifests itself on the Windows platform as prompting for a password for the ZIP file. Or try renaming the ZIP file itself to a shorter name before unzipping.
Reviews
Reviewer:
Wolfgang Peña
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 2, 2024
Subject: 2.2M views???
Subject: 2.2M views???
Can someone tell me, Why this has a lot of views on this plataform??
i mean, is good content, but my videos only get 50 views
i mean, is good content, but my videos only get 50 views
Reviewer:
EWL23383
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 1, 2023
Subject: Virginia Gregg
Subject: Virginia Gregg
Virginia Gregg was hands down, the greatest actress in radio. She could go from sophisticated lover, as in Richard Diamond to old crone, also Richard Diamond, to scared victim, to little girl, to excitable teen, to tough frontierswoman. She coud do anyone. I've been listening to OTR since the 70s and every show she's been on, she's been great.
Reviewer:
Moose07
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 3, 2022
Subject: The George Lexington Murder #59
Subject: The George Lexington Murder #59
Richard Diamond is an awesome program!
While listening to #59 episode I think I heard the
Voice on Howard McNear as the butler.
Dick Powell adds corny humor to his detective
Program. Thank You!
While listening to #59 episode I think I heard the
Voice on Howard McNear as the butler.
Dick Powell adds corny humor to his detective
Program. Thank You!
Reviewer:
Cath E
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 17, 2021
Subject: Fave series
Subject: Fave series
Re-listening to these the past two years has been a great joy. I love the cheesy humour, the music, and even Otis (maybe I feel sorry for him). I love the Mrs. X story, the seal one, Jerome J. Jerome, the Music Critic, too many more to list. My favourite series.
Reviewer:
harron68
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 28, 2021
Subject: Diamond Powell
Subject: Diamond Powell
A fine series! Powell wanted to change from his singing career as a "pretty boy." The transition within the shows proved he could do it with style.
I'm not a big fan of his teasing Sgt. Otis,but a little levity helped balance out the violent crime. Helen is a great character in making the series a hit too.
One note, sponsored by a tobacco company, he eventually came to blame not so much them, but doing a movie in the desert near where atom tests were held, for the cancer that killed him.
I'm not a big fan of his teasing Sgt. Otis,but a little levity helped balance out the violent crime. Helen is a great character in making the series a hit too.
One note, sponsored by a tobacco company, he eventually came to blame not so much them, but doing a movie in the desert near where atom tests were held, for the cancer that killed him.
Reviewer:
scocasso
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 21, 2021
Subject: Love this show!
Subject: Love this show!
What a great show, and Dick Powell, fantastic voice actor. Listened to old radio show reruns growing up every night when I went to bed. They don't play them on the radio here anymore. Now, I listen to them via the archive.
Reviewer:
Deesisson
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 29, 2020
Subject: Death Penalty
Subject: Death Penalty
The best part of Richard Diamond for me is I inherited my love of Old Radio from my brother. Our Mom was around for the first run of the series, and I hope to hand it down to some of the grandkids of the siblings. As for the Death Penalty, we always looked at it this way, few have escaped the noose and some even the chair. But, 9 times out of 10 (or fewer), they don't have to throw you back in jail for another murder, once you get the Death Penalty. I know, I should be in Texas. Circumstances beyond my control, I was born in a blue state.
Reviewer:
Hinsdale13
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 26, 2020
Subject: Little Chiva
Subject: Little Chiva
One of the best radio shows i ever listened to..Diamond's narration is stupendous..and the script believable..award winning on any account...
Reviewer:
OTRRArchive
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-
January 5, 2020
Subject: Files Updated!
Subject: Files Updated!
FYI:
Replaced files on this page from the Version 3 Release (01-Jan-2020).
For the full OTRR Release, see the OTRR Certified page:
OTRR Richard Diamond, Private Detective
- Old Time Radio Researchers Group
Replaced files on this page from the Version 3 Release (01-Jan-2020).
For the full OTRR Release, see the OTRR Certified page:
OTRR Richard Diamond, Private Detective
- Old Time Radio Researchers Group
Reviewer:
Justine Dean
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 21, 2019
Subject: Dick Powell fan
Subject: Dick Powell fan
Okay where do I begin this show is funny romantic suspenseful dramatic everything one can expect from a show... Dick Powell was soooo underrated... He is my favorite Radio star.. writing is so clever and characters of lt Walt and Otis are just Cherry on the cake... Tho other actresses play the role of Helen but you can easily make out why Virginia Greg in most of them she's lovely
Favorites- to gaurd a seal(hilarious), the house of mystery (suspenseful) Joyce wallace ( dramatic) and a special mention to the singing critic the one the neighbor is amazing other episodes like little Chiva, burglers protection, the grey man are favorites
Favorites- to gaurd a seal(hilarious), the house of mystery (suspenseful) Joyce wallace ( dramatic) and a special mention to the singing critic the one the neighbor is amazing other episodes like little Chiva, burglers protection, the grey man are favorites
Reviewer:
lvthclscs
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 25, 2019
Subject: Old Time Radio Boomer
Subject: Old Time Radio Boomer
Are there more episodes of Richard Diamond Private Detective & will they be added?
What happened to the Sam Spade episodes?
Thank you
What happened to the Sam Spade episodes?
Thank you
Reviewer:
JohnnydollarofY2K
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 5, 2017
Subject: One of the top 3 shows on my list
Subject: One of the top 3 shows on my list
This is a awesome show and even tho I am only 35 at the time of this review I love the older radio shows.
Reviewer:
Ladymage Samiko
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 29, 2015
Subject: So much fun!
Subject: So much fun!
I love listening to this series; it has the perfect blend of serious crime and tongue-in-cheek humour. My favourite episode is 'The House of Mystery,' a Halloween spoof with the classic haunted house, mysterious butler, and damsel in distress.
Very few sour notes to be heard from this song and dance man!
Very few sour notes to be heard from this song and dance man!
Reviewer:
Billbo7753
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 28, 2014
Subject: Thoroughly enjoyable
Subject: Thoroughly enjoyable
A very slick, tongue in cheek, detective show. Dick Powell show cases his wide variety of talent including his singing ability on the prompting of his girlfriend, Helen, played by Virginia Gregg. One of my favourite songs was his rendition of "Dear Hearts and Gentle People" as Herbert Appleknocker from Mountain Dew, Alabama. (See "The Jewel Thief", 19 Feb 1950.) Thanks to the OTRG for putting this online.
Reviewer:
Hanguard
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 19, 2013
Subject: Much more than mediocre.
Subject: Much more than mediocre.
Its a good show, especially good for how long ago it aired. I have listened to a lot of the episodes, and I have these problems. Richard insults Otis much to often, and for barely and reason other than Otis being not being the sharpest tool in the shed. But I guess its just comical. Another little problem I have is, he and his girlfriend are very rude to that guy that lived downstairs in The Singing Critic. I would also hate to have a girlfriend that forces me to sing before I eat dinner. Again, the singing part at the end of an episode is supposed to be at the end of every episode. I also do not like how in some episodes they give away who the baddie is. All in all, they are interesting to listen to, but im going to move onto some other shows. This is quite a poorly written review, but I just wanted to state my problems. I give this show a 4.
Reviewer:
Man from Arles
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 24, 2013
Subject: Richard Diamond Private Detective
Subject: Richard Diamond Private Detective
"Richard Diamond" is an extremely well-done show. Hard-boiled, but well-leavened with humor. Rick can handle himself, with his fists as well as with the dames. And he's a crack shot - if I had the time, I'd like to count up all the bad eggs he's been forced to shoot.
Dick Powell certainly went a long way from the Stanley Theatre...
Sole complaint? I prefer the Lt. Levinson of the earlier shows.
Dick Powell certainly went a long way from the Stanley Theatre...
Sole complaint? I prefer the Lt. Levinson of the earlier shows.
Reviewer:
nighthouse66
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 26, 2012
Subject: HILARIOUS.
Subject: HILARIOUS.
i am a huge dick powell fan- was there anything he COULDN'T do? great dancer, great singer, great actor. this is the audio equivalent of "murder my sweet"- lots of wisecracking that stands up to the test of time. listen to these and you WILL laugh out loud. probably the best gumshoe show i have heard apart from "night beat".
Reviewer:
Max Reiner
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 20, 2011
Subject: Richard Diamond Radio Program Production
Subject: Richard Diamond Radio Program Production
Can anyone tell me was there a live orchestra on the show or just library cues? I surely loved this show. Dick Powell was absolutely perfect for the part. Where were the shows done? Were they edited on tape. I think tape came in 1948. So these showed had the capability to be edited on tape. Thanks it for now. Maxy.
Reviewer:
TheModernaire
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 7, 2011
Subject: Ahead of its time...
Subject: Ahead of its time...
Where to begin? Voiceover work by the amazing actors breathes life into the imaginative, innovative, quick-witted and entertaining writing that was second to none in the era the show was broadcast. Personal favorites for newbies - 'The Gray Man' and 'Blue Serge Suit' among too many others to mention. Enjoy!
Reviewer:
PollieM
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 23, 2009
Subject: Richard Diamond
Subject: Richard Diamond
This program is one of the better Private Detective radio series. It is well worth downloading and listening too.
Reviewer:
VickyK
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 7, 2008
Subject: I love these shows!
Subject: I love these shows!
These shows have everything you could want in a show. They are great detective stories with music and comdey mixed in. My favorites are the Van Dyke Seance Case, Oklahoma Cowboy Murder Case, and Jerome J. Jerome. They are funny with a great detective story!
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